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As the clean-up continues after wild winds swept across NSW, the State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is encouraging residents to prepare for the increased risk of storms as the 2024-25 storm season officially begins.

Storm season traditionally occurs from September to April each year, during which the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain increases.

Over the past two weeks NSW has been battered by windy conditions, with 1,200 volunteers responding to more than 3,000 incidents.

The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated the risk of severe storms is increased, for at least the start of the season.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said preparedness and planning is crucial for managing the risks as we head into the warmer months.

“As we enter storm season, I urge all communities to be aware of their risks and plan early,” Minister Dib said.

“We have seen this week the effects of strong winds which brought down trees, damaged powerlines, lifted the roofs of buildings and fanned fires across the state.”

“It is incredibly important to have your plan in place, get your home ready and be prepared for what you will do if impacted by storms.”

“I would also like to thank our hardworking SES volunteers who have been out in force in recent weeks. We know we can count on them to support communities across NSW over the course of this storm season.”

Minister Dib also encouraged residents to download the Hazards Near Me app which was upgraded earlier this year to feature storm warnings, alongside existing flood, fire and tsunami alerts.

“Our emergency services are constantly looking at opportunities to improve the way they inform communities about hazards and that is why it's so important to have severe weather warnings available on the Hazards Near Me NSW app, Hazard Watch and the NSW SES website,” Minister Dib said.

NSW SES Acting Commissioner, Debbie Platz APM, said severe weather can happen at any time and urged residents to remain vigilant.

“While we are heading into a period where the risk of storms is increased, this year has demonstrated they can happen all year round,” Acting Commissioner Platz said.

“I am urging communities to complete simple tasks to prepare their homes and protect their families.

“Have a home emergency plan and kit, clean your gutters, downpipes and drains, secure loose items around your backyard and balcony, and trim trees and branches that could fall onto your home.”

Bureau of Meteorology Manager Hazard Preparedness and Response, Steve Bernasconi said the spring long-range forecast shows that above median rainfall across NSW this storm season is likely.

"While the overall flood risk has been assessed as near average, severe storms can bring significant rainfall in short periods, so flood risks remain for some catchments,” Mr Bernasconi said.

"We are also very likely to see above median maximum and minimum temperatures during spring.”

The NSW SES has responded to more than 21,000 storm related incidents over the past year. Of these incidents, 1,358 occurred in the Wyong area, 1,016 in Gosford, 904 in Sutherland, 835 in Wollongong and 680 in Ku-ring-gai.

For more information on how to get ready ahead of this year’s storm season, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au

Tips to help people prepare for storms:

• Prepare for storms by securing loose items outside, trimming trees and branches away from properties, cleaning your gutters and moving your cars from underneath trees.
• If you are caught out in a storm, seek shelter indoors. Do not shelter under trees and stay away from powerlines.
• Prepare an emergency plan for storms and floods.
• Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones.
• If you need assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. If it’s an emergency, call Triple 0.